Bring 1 cup liquid (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add 1/2 cup regular rolled oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you’d like to add flax or chia seeds, do so now.)

Mash up banana and add to the oatmeal. Stir.

Once more of the liquid has dissolved, add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir.

If you’d like to add any extra ingredients (coconut oil, dried fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds), do so now.

When you’re pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, add the nut butter in small globs, dropping them various spots of the saucepan (if you add it in all at once, you’ll have a difficult time “spreading out” the nut butter, and it will stubbornly stay in one clump). Swirl a spoon around the oatmeal a few times.

Drop in berries and stir them gently, just enough for them to get warmed up and “wet.” Then transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.). You could also top with more fruit, like I did.